Dallas council approved a 14‑1 vote to rezone a 10‑acre parcel southeast of LBJ Freeway and Hillcrest Road for H‑E‑B’s first store, a move that has sparked both excitement and concern.
The Vote and Its Significance
The re‑zoning request, which covers a 127,000‑square‑foot store and parking garage, passed with a 14‑1 margin. Benjamin Scott, Group Vice President of Real Estate and Shopping Center Development for H‑E‑B, celebrated the decision, saying: “Today, we are extremely excited about the opportunity to finally bring our namesake brand to the City of Dallas.”
Community Reactions
The decision drew a mixed response. One speaker told the council, “Your approval, I think, helps to make Dallas a better city.” Another, however, remarked, “It just doesn’t fit.” A neighbor added, “I look forward to H‑E‑B being in Dallas but not at this site.”
Beryl George of the Hillcrest Preservation Coalition expressed frustration, stating: “We really were hoping it would get sent back to the city plan commission and worked toward as a planned development. Something this size really needs more thoughtful consideration.”
District 7 Councilmember Adam Bazaldua warned that the city should not “continue to perpetuate a cycle of losing opportunities to the suburbs of DFW.”
District 3 Councilmember Zarin Gracey urged H‑E‑B to consider opening a store in southern Dallas, saying, “The struggle for me makes it feel like you see southern Dallas as a charity case versus capable consumers.”
Location and Logistics
The proposed site sits on 10 acres southeast of LBJ Freeway and Hillcrest Road. H‑E‑B plans to add turn lanes and make other upgrades to ease congestion, addressing a primary concern of local residents.
Future Impact
In a statement, H‑E‑B wrote: “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration from city officials, staff, and community members throughout this process. We are committed to serving Texans and look forward to bringing our first H‑E‑B store to the city of Dallas.” Scott added that the new store will create 800 new jobs and generate an estimated $24 million in tax revenue for Dallas over the next five years.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas council passed a 14‑1 vote to rezone a 10‑acre site for H‑E‑B’s first store.
- The 127,000‑sq‑ft store will include a parking garage and is located southeast of LBJ Freeway.
- H‑E‑B plans congestion‑mitigation upgrades and expects 800 jobs and $24 million in tax revenue.
The approval marks a significant milestone for Dallas, bringing the popular grocery chain to the city while also igniting ongoing discussions about traffic and community impact.
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